Disconnected: How to Protect Your Kids from the Harmful Effects of Device Dependency

by Thomas Kersting

Overview

There's no denying the clear connection between overuse of devices—smartphones, computers, and video games—and the growing mental health crisis, especially in our children. Too much screen time has a real, measurable effect on kids' brains, self-esteem, emotional development, and social skills. We aren't controlling our devices anymore—they're controlling us.

In Disconnected, psychotherapist and parenting expert Thomas Kersting offers a comprehensive look at how devices have altered the way our children grow up, behave, learn, and connect with their families and friends. Based on the latest studies on the connection between screen time and neuroplasticity, as well as the growing research on acquired ADHD and anxiety, Disconnected presents a better way to move forward. Kersting shares indispensable advice for parents on setting boundaries and engaging in concentration and mindfulness exercises.

If you want to reclaim your family and reconnect with your kids, this hard-hitting yet hopeful book is the place to start.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781540900302
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/04/2020
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	178,827
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Thomas Kersting is a nationally renowned psychotherapist, a speaker, an author, and a television personality. Cohost of the former A&E series Surviving Marriage and Monster In-Laws, he is a regular contributor to Fox News and frequently appears on talk shows and news shows offering insight and advice on parenting, relationships, and wellness. He has also hosted shows for the National Geographic Channel, the Food Network, and Oprah's Wellness Network. He lives in New Jersey.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

Part 1 The Impact of Electronic Devices on Kids' Brains 13

1 Our Changing Reality: Acquired ADHD, Anxiety, and Neuroplasticity 15

2 Cyberspace Children: A Full-Time Job 37

3 Social Media and the Development of Self-Esteem 57

4 The Multitasking Brains of Kids 77

Part 2 Technology's Effect on Social, Emotional, and Family Growth 91

5 Gamer Kids: The Great Human Disconnect 93

6 Parenting from a Distance 111

7 How Handheld Devices Impact Emotional Development 131

8 The Digital Classroom: How Tech impacts Learning 145

Part 3 What Parents Can Do: Tips, Techniques, and Solutions 155

9 Raising Our Children to Be Leaders Instead of Followers 157

10 Fragile Kids: The Media's Impact and What We Can Do about It 171

11 Using Mindfulness and Meditation to Reconnect Our Disconnected Kids 181

Acknowledgments 196

Notes 197